PERMANENT DIALYSIS CATHETER
A permanent catheter for dialysis, also known as a perm cath, is a crucial tool for patients requiring long-term dialysis. This specialized catheter facilitates the efficient exchange of blood between a hemodialysis machine and the patient, ensuring that dialysis treatments can be performed safely and effectively.
De-clotting / thrombo-suction of thrombosed arterio-venous fistulae/ grafts - When the fistula and grafts become clogged/ occluded with blood clots, preventing a patient from undergoing dialysis, with the help of interventional radiologist and under image guidance, a catheter directed thrombolysis followed by thrombo-suction can dissolves blood clots and re-established the adequate blood flow across the fistula.
Fistulo-plasty or Veno-plasty
are procedures performed to improve the flow of blood through narrowed or blocked veins close to fistula or involving central veins.
Narrowed or blocked central veins/ fistulae can lead to symptoms such as:
- Swollen, heavy or painful limbs.
- Swollen head and neck.
- Problems with blood flow across the fistula during hemodialysis.
By treating this condition, symptoms can be improved and in those patients with a hemodialysis fistula, it can increase the lifespan of the fistula.
How is a venoplasty/fistuloplasty performed?
An interventional radiologist will perform the procedure. They have skills and expertise in performing procedures and administering treatments under image guidance.
Venoplasty and fistuloplasty are normally performed using local anesthetic (you will be awake but will feel minimal pain during the procedure) which is given through a small needle in your arm. You will have a needle inserted into your narrowed vein or fistula. The narrowing will be inflated with a balloon to open it up. The benefits of having a venoplasty/fistuloplasty is effective in increasing the lifespan of your hemodialysis fistula and prevents the need for alternative methods of hemodialysis, e.g. surgical treatment.
In fistulae which have not developed properly, this procedure can help mature the fistula so that it can be used for dialysis.